Malcolm Cameron '69 of Deerfield, N.H., certainly made a name for himself in square dancing circles. "Known as 'Yikes' Cameron, I started square dance calling in September 1961," he says "and basically paid my way through KSC by calling square dances on weekends. I retired last year because I felt it was time to open up the possibilities for other pursuits on weekends. In 40 years, I have called in more than a dozen states, taught a few thousand folks to dance, and just had a whole lot of fun."

Now he concentrates on his role as planetarium educator and ERC coordinator at the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium in Concord, N.H. He plans education programs, such as shows in the dome about astronomy and space, and a series of teacher workshops. The ERC stands for NASA Educator Resource Center, a source for free classroom materials from NASA, available to teachers and pre-service educators, including KSC education majors. "We have posters, lithographs, VHS videos, educator guides for teachers, and handouts for students," he explains. "You can check us out by clicking on teacher resources on the planetarium website, www.starhop.com."

A secondary English major with a minor in music, he says, "I remember taking an advanced writing class with 'Mac' Keddy; great group in the class, including future novelist Ernest Hebert '69. I also played trumpet in the wind ensemble, under the direction of Bill Pardus." He also remembers winning the "best actor" trophy in 1969 for his role in an Ionesco play, which inspired a lifelong passion for theater. He and his wife Bernadette are longtime members of the Pittsfield (N.H.) Players; in the past year, he played Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof and Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

The Ron Tourgee Bench

"I'm not a teacher: only a fellow-traveler of whom you asked the way. I pointed ahead - ahead of myself as well as you."

These words by George Bernard Shaw typify the gentle and devoted teaching and guidance that continues to be selflessly given to KSC students by Dr. Ron Tourgee, professor of computer science, who has taught at Keene State for more than 35 years. This fall, two of Dr. Tourgee's former students, Barbara Dudley Austin '77 and Bruce L. Austin '77, decided to honor their teacher for the role he played in their lives. Barbara and Bruce met at Keene State, and with majors in math/physics, they were privileged to have many classes with Dr. Tourgee and to join clubs and organizations for which he served as advisor.

The Austins chose to dedicate a bench to Dr. Tourgee, which now stands in the courtyard by the Science Center at KSC. It bears a bronze plaque, which reads, "In Recognition of Professor Ron Tourgee for His Guidance and Inspiration."

When surprised with the bench and a reunion with the Austins, Dr. Tourgee responded:

"I want to thank the Austins for the bench given to Keene State College and especially for the honor they have bestowed upon me. What a nice thing to do for the College, and what a touching and memorable event this has been for me. I cannot express how pleased I am with your success in life, especially because I might have had some hand in guiding you there."

– Stephanie J. Nicholson

Where in the World

Barbara Cowan '64 stands outside the abbey garden wall in Brittany, France, with her summer issue of Keene State Today. She and 17 other seacoast artists lived at the abbey and painted in Saint-Jacut de la Mer for eight days last September. An artist's show will be held in the spring.